Home Europe Naval Group launches Argentine Navy OPV ARA Piedrabuena

Naval Group launches Argentine Navy OPV ARA Piedrabuena

ARA Piedrabuena
Photo: Naval Group

French shipbuilder Naval Group has launched the Argentine Navy’s second offsore patrol vessel A.R.A. Piedrabuena at its Concarneau shipyard.

The shipbuilder said the launch on October 1 took place two months ahead of schedule. It is worth noting that the milestone comes after the first of overall four ships to be delivered was handed over in December last year.

Argentina will receive the Piedrabuena by April 2021, according to shipbuilder estimates. Naval Group’s Kership shipyard started work on the vessel some 19 months ago.

Based on the OPV 90 design, the Argentine Navy vessels measure 87 meters in length and have a range of 8,000 nautical miles. They have a top speed of 21 knots and can remain underway for three weeks. Thanks to a landing pad, they can accommodate smaller helicopters and unmanned aerial systems.

Naval Group says the ships being delivered to Argentina feature modified combat and propulsion systems, and increased autonomy through improved freshwater production capacity. They are also receiving a 30 mm gun.